Sea Smart

Somehow in our MACNA coverage I missed talking about the Sea Smart program.  The program is base in Paupa New Guinea.  They have developed a methodology to collect coral and fish for the ornamental trade in a sustainable and responsible way.  I’ll let David Vosseler, the founder of the program, describe it in more detail:

Hope that we can have a trade that makes a positive difference in the world (w/o costing any more or at least not much more). We understand that the trade is primarily price driven at this time but we think, in time, this will change…not that everyone won’t still want the coolest thing at the lowest price but if we can maintain a level of price parity, then buying the good, oh so cool, healthy stuff from PNG (or any other country that adopts a similar model) is a no brainer and the switchover of the trades buying habits will be made easier. Well, that’s the plan anyway. (-:

Buying PNG marine life is an easy, exciting, and affordable way to feel good about what you buy. If the animal you want is found in PNG within any certified FMA, then the buying choice is easy. The impact of that buying decision in PNG is profound. Reef resources can now be managed towards real sustainability. Fishers can stay in their communities and earn a decent income. School fees are paid, bride prices saved, and the opportunity for people to improve their lives in the way the want. Steady income allows people capital, time, and a freer mind to make life improving decisions. Well most of us anyway, for the rest of us, more capital and free time usually leads to less productive activities.

The program is shipping fish with the plan to start shipping farmed coral in mid-2010.

Here’s a video of the program in action.